R is for Rahab...

Rahab

She was a heroine of the battle of Jericho. Following Moses' death, God told Joshua that he and his people were to cross the Jordan River and occupy the land of promise.  Joshua sent two spies ahead to observe the opposition, in particular the city of Jericho. The spies quickly found their way to Rahab's house, which was perhaps an inn and/or brothel. She apparently was a prostitute.

When word quickly was received by the king of Jericho, he demanded Rahab fess up to the spies whereabouts. She admitted she had seen them but claimed they had left at nightfall, when the spies were actually hiding on the roof of her house underneath the stalks of flax. After the king's search party was gone she told the spies her reasoning for what she did.  She feared the God of the Jews, believing that he would surely give them victory.

In turn the spies agreed to save Rahab and her family.  They were to hang a scarlet cord in their window. Needless to say they were the only survivors of the battle. They were led to safety under Joshua's command, by the men whom Rahab had saved.

Rahab became the wife of Salmon and mother of Boaz, thus an ancestor of Jesus.

Rahab's strengths and accomplishments include:

-One of only two women listed in the Hall of Faith in Hebrews

-She was resourceful, and willing to help others even if it was at great cost to herself.

From her life we can learn:

-She did not let fear affect her faith in God's ability to deliver.

-She is an example of good works and justification.

Rahab's story is told in Joshua 2 and 6:22, 23. She is also mentioned in Matthew 1:5; Hebrews 11:31; and James 2:25.

'By faith the walls of Jericho fell down, after they were compassed about seven days. By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.'  Hebrews 11:30, 31

until next time...nel